Chemical peels Flashcards
In chemical peels, the agent used is usually an acidic solution.
T
For patients with extensive AKs, superficial peels should be used.
F Medium-depth peels.
Pre-treatment with tretinoin or AHAs is contraindicated prior to chemical peels.
F
recommended for 4-6 wks prior
Superficial peels penetrate to the epidermis/papillary dermis.
T
Medium peels can penetrate to the mid-reticular dermis.
F
Upper reticular dermis.
Deep peels can penetrate to the deep-reticular dermis.
F
mid-reticular dermis.
UVA radiation penetrates deeper in the skin than UVB
T
Topical tretinoin pre-treatment prolongs wound healing after medium-depth and deep-depth chemical peels.
F
Accelerates wound healing.
AHAs exert their epidermal effect at the level of the stratum corneum and granulosum junction.
T
AHAs can reverse the histologic signs of photoageing.
T
Sunscreens should be used regularly for 3 months prior to a chemical peel and continued indefinitely after the peel.
T
Hydroquinone should not be used prior to chemical peels.
F
Prophylactic antivirals are not needed prior to chemical peels.
F
Start day prior to peel, continue 10-14days.
Risks of chemical peels include stinging, burning sensation, visible peeling, scaling, milia formation, pigmentary changes, persistent erythema, infections and rarely scarring.
T
Persistent erythema is a sign of impending scarring
T
The use of AHAs has been shown to reverse histologic signs of photoaging
T
Used regularly for 3/12 AHAs showed a 25% increase in epidermal and papillary thickness, increase in mucopolyaccharides, improved quality of elastic fibres and increased collagen density
F
6/12
Active viral, bacterial or fungal infection preclude chemical peeling until there is complete resolution.
T
It is safe to perform a chemical peel if isotretinoin has been taken anytime prior to the procedure.
F
Must wait 6-12 months (impaired wound healing, increased risk of scarring).
The AHAs have been used as an adjunct to tretinoin therapy without increasing adverse sequelae
T
Patients who’ve had prior facial XRT are at higher risk for scarring after chemical peels.
T
Due to diminished adnexal structures (from where re-epithelialisation originates).
There is no need to delay chemical peels after facial surgery.
F
Should wait 6 months or more.
Smokers have increased rates of infection after chemical peels.
T
Superficial chemical peels work by exfoliating all or part of the epidermis, which leads to mild stimulation of collagen formation in the superficial papillary dermis.
T